Rate and distribution system

ABSTRACT

The rate and distribution system of the present invention enables an user to more accurately and quickly generate specific rental rates employing a browser-based system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rate and distribution system includes an interactive graphical mapping interface depicting the geographic location of the entities of an equipment rental business. The mapping interface preferably comprises a touchscreen and is configured to allow an user to define a region by selecting it on the map. Upon defining a region, the system enables the user to set a rental rate for the defined region. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the system enables the user to identify the equipment category to which the rate applies and select a future effective date for the rate.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is generally a system for setting rates andmore particularly, a rate setting system having a geospatial graphicalinterface to facilitate the rate setting function.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the business of renting, cars, trucks, moving equipment, orother types of products, it is necessary to vary the rental ratesdepending on a variety of factors, such as the geographical location ofthe rental facility, seasonal fluctuations, inventory levels and otherfactors that are well known in the rental industry. In this regard, acentral business concern for companies with multiple rental faciliies(collectively referred to herein as “entities”) will typically set therental rates for its various entities based on the entities'geographical location, rental trends, seasonal specials and otherfactors. Typically, to accomplish the rate setting function, a userstudies the various factors and sets the rental rates.

[0003] Under known systems, rates are set by selecting reference citiesand setting a rate for each of the reference cities. However, if thebusiness concern is large and there are hundreds of cities in whichthere are rental facilities, then it may not be practical to setindividual rates for each city in which the rental business operates.Accordingly, as a practical matter, the rate selected for a referencecity will also be the applicable rate for all cities in the areasurrounding the reference city, e.g., within a pre-defined radius of thereference city. By grouping the cities together, the user's job will bemore manageable.

[0004] The disadvantage of this known system is that because thereference city and surrounding cities are grouped together, the rate forthe reference city and the surrounding cities must always be the same.The user may choose the city which he or she designates the referencecity, however, once the reference city selection is made, the citieswithin the surrounding area will have the same rate.

[0005] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a system which allows theuser greater freedom when selecting the specific area for which rateswill be set and provide numerous options and tools to accomplish therate setting task.

[0006] The rates set for rental products, or for any other service, isdynamic and must reflect the demands of the market at any given time.Accordingly, it is desirable to provide tools for the user that wouldprovide them with market information and assist them in setting rates,even for a single city without affecting the rate of other cities withina pre-defined area, in a quick, efficient manner. Furthermore, it isdesirable to provide a system which immediately broadcasts the set rateto the entities.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] The rate and distribution system of the present invention enablesan authorized user to more accurately and quickly generate specificrental rates employing a browser-based system. In a preferred embodimentof the invention, the rate and distribution system includes aninteractive graphical mapping interface depicting the geographic rangeof business. The mapping interface preferably comprises a computer withtouchscreen capabilities giving the user a visual perspective of ageographical area. Upon defining a region, the system enables the userto set a rental rate for the region. In a more preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the system enables the user to identify the product orcategory of products to which the rate applies and select the date onwhich the rate should be effective.

[0008] Other objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detaileddescription and specific examples, while indicating preferredembodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustrationand not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope ofthe present invention may be made without departing from the spiritthereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to theaccompanying drawings in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of the graphical interfacesystem of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of the graphical interfacesystem of the present invention zoomed into a selected region;

[0012]FIG. 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of the graphical interfacesystem of the present invention zoomed into a more detailed level;

[0013]FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of the graphical interfacesystem of the present invention wherein cities have been selected by theuser to define a region;

[0014]FIG. 5 depicts a detailed working set feature of a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 6 depicts a preferred embodiment of the product categoryinformation feature of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 7 depicts a preferred embodiment of the edit category featureof the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 8 depicts a preferred embodiment of the city search featureof the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 9 depicts a preferred embodiment of the add city feature ofthe present invention;

[0019]FIG. 10 depicts a preferred embodiment of the competitorintelligence feature of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 11 depicts a preferred embodiment of the edit competitorintelligence feature of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 12 depicts a preferred embodiment of the pop up informationwindow of the present invention; and

[0022]FIG. 13 depicts a preferred embodiment of the geocode feature ofthe present invention.

[0023] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views ofthe drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the rate anddistribution system 10 of the present invention, a graphical interfacesystem 20 is provided to assist the user in setting rates for rental ofproducts and equipment. The invention is discussed herein in referenceto setting rental rates. However, it is envisioned that the rate anddistribution system of the present invention can be used in conjunctionwith other types of businesses, and should not be limited to the rentalbusiness.

[0025] The graphical interface system 20 is preferably a geographicalrepresentation of the area in which the business operates. Specifically,the graphical interface system displays a map. The map could be of theUnited States, another country, a combination of countries, or any othergeographical location, depending on the area of interest. FIG. 1 depictsa map of the continental United States and parts of Canada. This map isfor exemplary purposes only and the graphical interface system 20 can beadapted to show any geographical area in which a business operates,however large or small. Accordingly, the map could depict the entireworld or any portion thereof. For ease of understanding, the presentinvention is described in connection with a business that operates inthe continental United States and Canada, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0026] The geographical scope of business operations, as shown in FIG.1, can preferably be viewed at different degrees of detail. For example,FIG. 1, shows the major cities out of which the business operates. Ifdesired, the user can zoom into a particular area, as shown in FIG. 2,to view the major cities of business operation in that area. Thegraphical interface system 20 is preferably adaptable to focus furtheron each city. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the user can zoom into aparticular city to view the various neighborhoods of the city in whichthe business entities exist. FIG. 3 depicts the neighborhoods in andsurrounding the Los Angeles area. If desired, the user could furtherzoom in to see the exact street location of the various entities. Thezooming function can be accomplished by methods commonly known, e.g.,using the zoom feature 22 on the toolbar 24 or by using an assigned keyon the keyboard to zoom in and out. Moreover, the toolbar 24 preferablyincludes a layer selection feature 26 wherein the user can indicate thedegree of detail at which a variety of map features should be displayed.Upon selecting a detail layer, the geographic interface system 20automatically displays a map with the level of detail requested by theuser.

[0027] The rate and distribution system of the present invention allowsthe user to define the specific area for which rates will be set. Thearea can be a city, a state, or any other geographical region. The userhas the flexibility of choosing the exact cities that can be groupedtogether for the purpose of defining a region for which to set rates orview marketing data. If desired, the user can set a rate for each cityindividually or a series of contiguous or non-contiguous cities. Changesmade to a city or defined region will not affect the rate in nearbycities.

[0028] A preferred embodiment of the region defining feature of thepresent invention will now be described. The user preferably utilizesthe graphical interface system 20 of the present invention to select thearea for which to define a region. The selection of the area can beperformed in a number of ways. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, as shown in FIG. 1, the graphical interface system 20includes a city identifier feature 30. To locate the city of interest,the user can type in the city name in the city identifier feature 30.Upon identifying a city, the graphical interface system 20 willautomatically zoom to a radius of 600 miles (or other predefined area)centering on the requested city. Alternatively, if the user knows thegeographical location of the city, the users can choose the zoom toolfrom the toolbar and touch the map in the general area of the city,zooming to a more detailed view with each touch to the map.

[0029] The graphical interface system 20 is preferably a touch-basedmapping tool wherein the user manipulates the view by simply touchingthe area of interest on the map with a stylus or a finger, hereinafterreferred to collectively as a selection tool. To define a region, theuser can zoom into the area of interest with a selection tool or type inthe name of a city. For example, the user can zoom into the west coastarea of California, in the general area of Los Angeles (shown in FIG.4). The system preferably emphasizes the cities in that area that have arental location. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the systempreferably also designates the cities within the area that do not haverental locations.

[0030] Upon arriving at the area of interest, the user can define aregion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are numerousmethods of defining a region. One method of defining a region is toselect a city and select a radius, as shown in FIG. 4, surrounding theselected city. Using the graphical mapping tool, the user can simplytouch the screen to indicate the radius of coverage. The system willpreferably automatically calculate the length of the radius andtherefore the distance of the selected region. The defined region doesnot necessarily have to be selected in the form of a circle. Forexample, a rectangular or a square region can be defined. The user canfree form an area for selection by using pointer arrows of a computer, astylus, touchscreen, a designated tool from the toolbar specificallydesigned for this purpose or other selection tools. In this way, theuser can define the precise area that will make up a region. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, upon selection of a region, thegeographical area will be highlighted to alert the user of the citiesthat are included in the selected region.

[0031] In some situations, the user may wish to exclude some of thecities from the selected region. For example, the user may wish toselect a region within a 50 mile radius of Los Angeles, and then,exclude a few cities, such as Beverly Hills and Hollywood, from thatregion. Using the known rate setting systems, the user would not be ableto exclude a city that was within a pre-selected radius of a referencecity. However, the present invention enables the user to fine-tune theregion, regardless of any cities' proximity to any other city.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the graphicalinterface system 20 of the present invention and the selection featuresdescribed herein can be utilized to define regions of varying sizes,scopes and shapes. For example, the user can select two entirelyseparate areas, such as the Seattle and Houston areas, and define themas one region or select them for the purpose of setting rates.

[0033] Description of the Rate Setting Feature

[0034] As best shown in FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the rate and distribution system 10 includes a detailedworking set feature 40. The detailed working set feature 40 preferablyincludes an Add From Map key 42. Upon activation of the Add From Map key42, cities and/or regions previously selected on the map, in FIG. 4,will be imported into the detailed working set feature 40 and listed inthe cities selection inbox 44. Thereafter, the user can further tailorthe list by highlighting the desired cities from the inbox 44. Forexample, in the situation previously described, if a user wanted toexclude the cities of Beverly Hills and Hollywood from the selectionlist, the user would highlight all of the cities in the cities selectioninbox 44 except for Beverly Hills and Hollywood. As a result, the useris able to further group the cities of interest by defining a regionthat includes all cities within a given radius of Los Angeles, excludingBeverly Hills and Hollywood. In this regard, the rate setting system ofthe present invention allows the user to set the same rates for twodifferent cities, regardless of the cities' physical location withrespect to each other.

[0035] In addition to having a geographic variable that offers the usergreater freedom in defining a region by providing a visual mappingreference, the rate and distribution system of the present inventionpreferably also provides a variable for spatial orientation. That is,cities or regions selected on the map can be designated as originsand/or destinations of the rate setting function. If the areas aredesignated as origins, then the rate will be set for all rentalsoriginating from the selected areas. Conversely, if the areas aredesignated as destinations, then the rate will be set for all rentalsgoing to those areas. Furthermore, rates could be set to coverparticular routes by selecting origin cities and destination cities.

[0036] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the areas imported from the maphave been imported into the origin cities working set 46. Using the sameselection techniques described above, the user can select an area forimportation into the destination cities working set 48. The rate settingfeature of the present invention allows the user to set rates for (1) anarea of origin; (2) a destination area; or (3) a particular route from aspecified area to a specified area.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system can savethe user's selections in memory and enable the user to recall theselections for future use. This feature is especially useful if a userhas a selected region or a selected route that is used time after time.In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the system enables theuser to edit the saved regions or routes, as desired.

[0038] Upon selection of an area, the system enables the user to set arate for the selected area. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,the system provides prompts and function keys to assist with the ratesetting function. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a rate setting box 50is provided for entry of the rate variables. Similarly, as shown in FIG.5, the detailed working set feature 40 includes a rate setting key 52 toenable the user to set the rate for the selected area. To complete therate setting step, the user must identify the type of equipment forwhich the rate is being set. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,as shown in FIG. 1, a category box 56 is provided for enabling the userto select the equipment category directly from the graphical interfaceor a product box 54 to select individual products.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rate anddistribution system includes an effective date feature 58 that enablesthe users to set rates for a future effective date. For example,industry trends may indicate that certain seasons are busier than othersand therefore require multiple rate changes. A user can therefore set arate at the present time that will be effective for future sales orrentals.

[0040] Using the effective date feature of the present invention, theuser can set future rates and change the rates as often as desired toaccommodate the demands of the market. For example, the user can set aspecified rate for July and select a different rate for August. Underprior known rate setting systems, rates are published periodically andare effective from the date of distribution of the new rates until apre-defined expiration date. The rate and distribution system of thepresent invention enables the user to set a more accurate rate for aneffective future date. Furthermore, using the rate and distributionsystem of the present invention, the user can ensure that evenreservations made months in advance are reserved with the rate thataccurately reflects the appropriate rate for the rental season.

[0041] If a user neglects to set a rate for a particular area, thesystem preferably has a default rate that will be used. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the system provides a warning to the userthat a rate has not been set for a particular area and the default ratehas been applied. The default rate is preferably applied to all newareas. Under the known prior systems, there would be a delay of 30 daysfor new areas to have rates. The present invention enables new citiesand new areas to have rates immediately.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratesetting feature of the present invention is completely automatedeliminating the need for user intervention. By utilizing a series ofbusiness rules, the rate and distribution system considers a number ofrate setting factors, including the area, current rate, rate history,and other factors known to those in the industry and computes applicablerates for all areas. The automated rate setting feature can be utilizedalone or can serve as an initial rate setting function which canthereafter be adjusted by a user.

[0043] User Research Information

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rate anddistribution system includes a searchable data server that providesusers with information pertaining to the business requirements thatwould be helpful to the user in setting rates. The information wouldpreferably be provided using a series of browser-based graphicalinterfaces. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, upon selectionof an area, a pop up window 150, shown in FIG. 12, will be activatedcontaining pertinent information regarding the selected region.

[0045] To provide this information to the user, the rate anddistribution system of the present invention is preferably in datacommunication with a data warehouse. The data warehouse preferablyprovides information to the rate and distribution system. For example,the data warehouse would advise the user of pre-defined variables thatwould assist the user in setting rates.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system alsostores information pertaining to upcoming or historical events that mayaffect the or influence the variables used to set rates. For example, oncertain holidays there may be an increase in certain rentals or sales.The system preferably stores historic data regarding such events andholidays and advises the user as the date approaches.

[0047] Security Features

[0048] The rate and distribution system of the present inventionpreferably includes a security feature which only allows an authorizeduser to set rates for the area which the user is responsible. Thissafety feature prevents a user from setting rates for another user'sarea unless responsibility for that region has been delegated.

[0049] In the event that a user inadvertently selects an area thatincludes a city for which the user is not responsible, the system willset the rate requested for the portion of the area for which the user isresponsible and provide a notification to the user that the rate has notbeen set for the area outside of the user's control.

[0050] The system preferably stores a list of all authorized users andtracks the degree of authorization provided to the user. For example,some users may only be given authorization to view information on thesystem while others are authorized to edit information in the system. Inthis regard, the rate and distribution system ensures that onlyauthorized users are given access to the system and then, only to theextent authorized.

[0051] Administrative Features

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6,the rate and distribution system includes a categories informationfeature 100 describing the product categories that are identified in thesystem. The categories information feature 100 lists the category names102 available for selection by the users, a description 104 of theproduct included within each specified category, and the status 106 ofthe category. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the category “CAT1”refers to “Category 1” and the status is indicated as being “active.”

[0053] The categories information feature 100 can preferably be editedonly by an authorized administrator. FIG. 7 depicts the edit categoryfeature 110 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the edit category feature 110 identifies the category name102, status 106, description 104, parent categories 112, and mutuallyexclusive categories 114, all of which can be edited by theadministrator. Furthermore, the rate setting key 116 allows theadministrator to determine whether the rate setting feature will beenabled for the specified category. Also, the active models box 118enables the administrator to select the active models that will includedin a specified category.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rate anddistribution system includes a cities feature, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.Generally, a city's boundaries are defined by a municipality, the postoffice or other such governmental entity. The cities feature of thepresent invention enables an administrator to redefine a city to includeneighboring areas, for the purpose of setting rates. FIG. 8 depicts apreferred embodiment of the city search feature 120 of the presentinvention. The city search feature 120 enables the administrator tosearch for a particular city. The administrator is prompted for the cityname 122, state or province 124, marketing company 126 or region 128.The administrator should provide the available information and initiatea search. Furthermore, the administrator can elect to find cities withopen locations, without open locations, or both. The city search feature120 will performs the search and provides a list of all cities thatmatch the specified criteria.

[0055]FIG. 9 depicts a preferred embodiment of the add city feature 130of the present invention. The add city feature 130 enables theadministrator to define a new city or edit an existing city to includeneighboring areas, as desired. To add or edit a city, the administratoris prompted for the city name 132 and/or county 134, and the stateand/or country 136. The system preferably geocodes based on theinformation provided and assigns the appropriate coordinates to returnthe city requested to the map. The administrator has the option ofmaking the mapped location static 142 so that the inherent growth of acity will not cause the system to adjust the city coordinates. The useris also able to group cities together and identify the hub as a citygroup 138. If there is competition for business in the new area, thecompetitors 140 can be identified and stored in the system.

[0056] The rate and distribution system preferably enables theadministrator to store and retrieve intelligence on competitors. Asshown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the competitors feature 144 of the inventionidentifies the business competitors. Information regarding thecompetitors 146 can also be stored and retrieved.

[0057] When new locations are opened, the rate and distribution systemgeocodes the new location and identifies it on a map. As shown in FIG.13, the geocoding feature 160 of the invention enables the administratorto enter the address 162, city 164, state 166 and zip code 168 of a newlocation. The system preferably validates the address to ensure that theaddress provided is found in the city and state specified. Furthermore,the system will validate that the correct zip code corresponding to thecity and state identified has been assigned. Upon geocoding the newaddress, the system will assign lattitude and longitude coordinates tothe new location and identifies the position of the new location on amap.

[0058] The graphical interfaces and mapping tools of the rate anddistribution system are preferably interactive. If the location isassigned to an incorrect position on the map, the system preferablyallows the administrator to correct the mapped location manually.Accordingly, the maps used in the rate and distribution system are notonly viewable but are interactive. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the position of the new location can be changed by simplyclicking and dragging it on a map. By geocoding the locations andstoring the lattitude and longitude of each location, the rate anddistribution system of the present invention can provide the exactgeographic address and directions to each location.

[0059] In addition to geocoding and mapping each location, the rate anddistribution system preferably geocodes all internally used companyboundaries and regions. By defining these areas and mapping them, therate and distribution system ensures that these areas can be used foranalysis or other business purposes.

[0060] The rate and distribution system of the present invention ispreferably available to users on a network. The network has at least onecomputer-server for communicating with users. Communication with theusers is preferably carried out using a browser program on acomputer-terminal at a location remote from the computer-server.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rate anddistribution system is in data communication with a data warehouse forreceiving information utilized in setting rates, as described above.Furthermore, the rate and distribution system is preferably in datacommunication with an entity database that provides the system withinformation pertaining to existing entities and alerts the systemregarding the creation of new entities. After the rates are set, thesystem preferably communicates the rates via a browser to the rentallocations. Furthermore, the rates are preferably provided to a websiteaccessible by the public.

[0062] The embodiments described above are exemplary embodiments of arate and distribution system. Those skilled in the art may now makenumerous uses of, and departures from, the above-described embodimentswithout departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein.Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely by the scopeof the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for setting rates, comprising the stepsof: providing an interactive graphical mapping interface; defining aregion on the graphical mapping interface; and setting a rate for theregion defined.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the rate is set for afuture effective date.
 3. The method of claim 1 comprising the step ofidentifying an equipment category for which the rental rate is set. 4.The method of claim 1 wherein the region is geographicallynon-continuous.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the graphical mappinginterface is touch-based and the region is defined by selecting theregion on the graphical mapping interface.
 6. The method of claim 5wherein the region is defined by selecting a radius about a referencecity.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein the region is defined by drawinga non-circular boundary about a reference city.
 8. A method for settingrates, comprising the steps of: providing a graphical mapping interface;defining a first region on the graphical mapping interface anddesignating the first region as a region of origin; defining a secondregion on the graphical mapping interface and designating the secondregion as a destination region; and setting a rental rate for a routeoriginating in the region of origin and terminating in the destinationregion.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the rental rate is set for afuture effective date.
 10. The method of claim 8 comprising the furtherstep of defining an equipment category for which the rate is set. 11.The method of claim 8 wherein at least one of the region of origin andthe destination region is geographically non-continuous.
 12. The methodof claim 8 wherein the graphical mapping interface is touch-based and atleast one of the region of origin and the destination region is definedby selecting the region on the graphical mapping interface.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 wherein at least one of the region of origin and thedestination region is defined by selecting a radius about a referencecity.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein at least one of the region oforigin and the destination region is defined by drawing a non-circularboundary about a reference city.
 15. A rate system comprising: a networkhaving a computer-server and a terminal in data communication with thecomputer-server; a browser-based system accessible to users via theterminal, wherein the browser-based system is configured to: a) displayan interactive graphical mapping interface; b) enable the user to definea region using the graphical mapping interface; and c) enable the userto set a rental rate for the region.
 16. The rate system of claim 15wherein the browser-based system is further configured to display marketinformation regarding the defined region.
 17. A rate system forfacilitating rate selection for a business having a plurality ofentities, the rate system comprising: a network having a computer-serverand a terminal in data communication with the computer-server; abrowser-based system accessible to users via the terminal, wherein thebrowser-based system is configured to: a) display a graphical mappinginterface depicting the geographic location of the entities of theequipment rental business; b) enable the user to define a region usingthe graphical mapping interface, the region including at least oneentity, wherein the region is capable of including non-neighboringentities; and c) enable the user to set a rental rate for the region.18. The rate system of claim 17 wherein the graphical mapping interfacecomprises a touchscreen.
 19. The rate system of claim 18 wherein theregion is defined by activating the touchscreen using a stylus.
 20. Therate system of claim 17 comprising a edit city feature configured toenable users to redefine city boundaries.
 21. A method for setting ratesfor a plurality of entities, comprising the steps of: providing aninteractive graphical mapping interface comprising the geographicallocation of the plurality of entities; defining a region on thegraphical mapping interface, wherein the region comprises thegeographical location of at least one of the plurality of entities;importing the at least one of the plurality of entities into a workingset index; refining the region by editing the entities in the workingset index; and setting a rate for the region defined.
 22. A rate systemcomprising: a network having a computer-server and a terminal in datacommunication with the computer-server; a browser-based systemaccessible to users via the terminal, wherein the browser-based systemcomprises: a) means for displaying an interactive graphical mappinginterface; b) means for defining a region using the graphical mappinginterface; and c) means for setting a rental rate for the region. 23.The rate system of claim 22 wherein the interactive graphical mappinginterface comprises a rate setting input interface.
 24. The rate systemof claim 22 wherein the graphical mapping interface comprises an rateeffective date input interface.
 25. A rate system comprising: a networkhaving a computer-server and a terminal in data communication with thecomputer-server; a browser-based system accessible to users via theterminal, wherein the browser-based system comprises: a) means fordisplaying an interactive graphical mapping interface; b) means fordefining a region using the graphical mapping interface; c) designatingthe region one of a region of origin or a destination origin; and d)means for setting a rate for one of the region of origin, thedestination region and a route from the region of origin to thedestination region.
 26. A method for setting rental rates, comprisingthe steps of: providing an interactive graphical mapping interface;defining a region on the graphical mapping interface; displaying marketinformation for the region defined; and setting a rental rate for theregion defined.